3 PhD Students (m/w/d)

Your tasksGOVPET is concerned with how skill formation, labor markets, and modern economies more generally adapt to the challenges associated with technological change and the eco-social transition in a context of skill shortage and climate change. The project takes a comparative approach and studies Switzerland as well as other advanced democracies in international comparisons. The three positions start in July 2026 (or upon agreement) and are for a period of up to five years. The positions are full time (100%). The salary aligns with the directives of the University of St.Gallen and amounts to about 61,000 CHF in the first year. Within the confines of the overall project, the successful applicants will have freedom to develop their own independent research. Next to research and coursework according to the regulations of the PhD program, the doctoral researchers are expected to join the research team's activities such as the annual doctoral workshops or the regular meetings with the prestigious academic advisory board. The positions offer opportunities to pursue further training (e.g. methods schools) and to attend scientific conferences.Your profileApplicants are expected to hold a MA/MSc degree in political science or related relevant disciplines. They should demonstrate the ability and motivation to pursue an academic career. The positions presuppose an interest in theory-driven empirical research on topics such as the political economy of skill formation, the politics of innovation and knowledge-based growth, and the effects of technology and the eco-social transition on modern economies with a particular focus on skills. Applicants should have excellent training in social science methodology. A good command of English, both spoken and written, is expected. Additional knowledge of one of Switzerland's main languages is an advantage.Applicants should send their full application (in English), including cover letter, curriculum vitae, examples of their academic work (e.g., their MA dissertation or seminar papers), and copies of relevant certificates, to Prof. Patrick Emmenegger ( patrick.emmenegger@unisg.ch ) no later than January 31, 2026. For further inquiry, please send an email to Prof. Patrick Emmenegger. For more information on GOVPET, please visit www.govpet.ch . For more information on Prof. Emmenegger, please visit www.pemmenegger.com .We are looking forward to your online-application stating the job IDapply hereInspirational Work EnvironmentAt the HSG, as Europe's leading business university, we operate in an entrepreneurial environment where you will meet highly qualified, ambitious experts - both regionally and internationally. For example, you benefit from a modern IT infrastructure and, in our library via HSGswisscovery, from nationwide access to the wealth of scientific information available.Executive EducationWe support internal and external executive education opportunities. Our internal executive education programme offers you a practical, dedicated and didactically mature transfer of knowledge in the form of seminars, e-learning, coaching and collegial advice. We support task-specific external training and executive education financially as well as with regard to the time required.NetworkWe promote our culture of cross-functional collaboration and create space for forging valuable relationships - also with external partners. Regular exchanges and internal events help to strengthen these relationships and make them long-lasting.Family & CareerWe provide our employees with flexible work time models with a variable number of hours per week. As a family-friendly employer, we offer part-time positions, 16 weeks of maternity leave and a subsidised crèche, as well as support with childcare during the vacations.Equal OpportunitiesThe University enables equal opportunities for all employees and students. This applies to degree courses and work, as well as academic careers, university management positions and the reconciliation of studies, work and private commitments. We are committed to this with various measures in the areas of teaching, research, administration and the Presidency.Fit and HealthyWe help you stay fit and healthy. In addition to our diverse range of sports activities at the university, most of which are free of charge, and campaign weeks for corporate health management, we also offer you fruit in the workplace. In our canteen you will find a wide selection of freshly prepared meals - from vegetarian to fish dishes - at discounted prices.Further information on working at the HSG can be found here.University of St.Gallen «A place where knowledge is created» - As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 10'000 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3'500 researchers, educators and professional staff.